A year and a half after Dax Kuykendall was named FAU’s campus recreation director –– the person in charge of gym operation, intramural sports and recreational activities –– he is leaving his position for another Rec Director position at the University of Texas at Arlington after his father, Doug Kuykendall, retired from the position.

Dax Kuykendall started at FAU in the summer of 2005 as the coordinator of sports and competition and was promoted to the associate director of operations in the spring of 2008. He played a significant role in the opening of the new campus rec center. He was making $70,000 at FAU.

Now he will be working at UTA’s Maverick Activities Center starting August 5. Allyson Fulton, associate director of campus recreation, said three candidates applied for the position, and Dax Kuykendall was selected based on his experience and knowledge, according to The Shorthorn, UTA’s student newspaper.

“I’m really looking forward to managing the larger staff, and I love what the MAC is doing,” Dax Kuykendall said.

Kuykendall received his bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport science from Texas State University, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and played basketball at McLennan Community College.

FAU held a farewell party for Kuykendall on Thursday, July 18, where multiple staff and administrators were present.

“It’s been a great eight years,” Kuykendall told the UP. “FAU has been great to me and that’s why leaving will be bittersweet.”

Kuykendall said he’ll miss everyone at FAU but is excited for the future.